How to Keep the Kids (and Yourself) Entertained on a Flight

Emirates is known for its long-haul flights (it’s more than 12 hours from New York to Dubai), which means parents will appreciate the airline’s industry-leading Economy Class seats. Stylishly outfitted in shades of purple and gray, each seat comes with a pillow, headphones, and a new feature—an ecoTHREAD fleece blanket, sustainably made from recycled plastic bottles, as well as power outlets if you need to work (and most planes in the Emirates fleet are WiFi-enabled) or keep your kids’ iPad fully juiced. Here are a few other ways of making the most of your flight.

Parent’s EntertainmentEmirates’ stellar inflight entertainment system, known as ICE (which stands for information, communication, and entertainment) makes time fly. It’s a 13-inch screen, on which you’ll find literally thousands of on-demand movies, TV shows, podcasts, games, and music options, plus a moving map, travel information about Dubai, and—a feature we find especially cool—an outside view from cameras placed on the plane’s exterior. Texting and emailing is also available during the flight via your personal screen.

Kid’s EntertainmentICE is just as entertaining for kids, with an inexhaustible supply of children’s programming. Not only are there recently released movies like Despicable Me 3, Beauty and the Beast, and Power Rangers, but also TV channels (Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network) and all manner of games, including the classic, Disney Mickey’s House Party. For older kids, there are also digital sports and action games.

Adult MealsEven in Economy Class, all passengers receive menus for the flight’s regionally inspired meal options, which might include chicken in yogurt sauce with steamed basmati rice or more western options like a slow-braised beef with rosemary, mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables. Wine, beer, and spirits are included. Otherwise, for a small fee, you can toast your flight with Moet & Chandon Champagne.

Kids' MealsChildren between the ages of two and 12 have the option of ordering their own special kids' meal, which comes on a playful, colorful tray. Entrees might include fun finger foods like chicken tenders with fries, or cheese and crackers. Plus: They get a special, separate snack box filled with munchies (dried fruit, cookies) to enjoy while watching a movie. Babies get special attention, as well, and the crew is on hand to warm bottles and baby food.

Fly With Me AnimalsForgot to pack toys? No problem. Emirates introduced a complimentary collection of stuffed animals for infants and children (up to 8 years old) two years ago, which has since become one of their signature perks. The toys reflect the region of the flight’s destination, and may include animals like ChaoChao the alligator and Savannah the elephant, who have joined Emirates' growing Fly With Me Animals family on board. You can pick up the older members of the gang at the Emirates Official Store to complete your young explorer’s collection.

Kids' PacksOlder kids get their own special treat, in the form of the Emirates Kids' pack. It’s the result of a partnership with Lonely Planet, and the goal of which is to inspire youngsters to explore more of the world. Inside a travel-themed bag, they’ll find educational books designed specifically for Emirates, fact sheets, craft kits, and a travel journal for kids to write and record observations about their trip.

Special ExtrasWhether you’re returning home or sightseeing in Dubai before traveling to your next destination, it all begins at the Dubai International Airport. Perks for families include priority boarding and dedicated family check-in desks. There’s also the option of checking-in online and dropping your bags off up to 24 hours before your flight (making the travel day that much easier). The Dubai airport lounges, meanwhile, house special mother and baby changing and feeding rooms, as well as video games and play areas for kids.

Skywards SkysurferFrequent flyer programs aren’t just for adults anymore. Skywards Skysurfer was created just for kids (aged two to 16) to earn points when they fly Emirates, eventually earning Silver and then Gold status. Points can be redeemed for coveted awards gifts, like free flights and entry to popular Dubai theme parks like Wild Wadi Water Park. It’s free to join, and parents can link their own accounts to their child’s.